Jack



Nov. 5, 1963 L. L. ARNES ETAL JACK 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Aug. 26, 1957 M I 5 pf 2% M mf m Hm My Ad km M 1963 L. L. ARNES E TAL 3,109,626

JACK

6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Aug. 26, 1957 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 JACK L. L. ARNES ETAL Nov. 5, 1963 Original Filed Aug. 26, 1957 INVENTOU. g e 1. fll w a. ,Bgsgrardfimmrm hi M Nov. 5, 1963 1... L. ARNES ETAL JACK 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed Aug. 26, 1957 INVENTORS zm merwrl j gidrdfl Nov. 5, 1963 L. ARNES ETAL JACK 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Aug. 26, 1957 INVENTORE 1 7a A, flr/Y flanJjizbrmerndn g 4 HT7ZFIYEY-S Nov. 5, 1963 L. L. ARNES ETAL JACK 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Aug. 26, 1957 .ATE'.

s. 4 .M P R M My? 5 1. AM a NJ I M 4 2 0 4 f H il----' I United States Patent 3,169,626 .l-ACK Lyle L. Amos and Bernard J. Zimmerman, Racine, assignors, by memo assi nments, to Walther Mann factoring Company, Racine, Wis, a corporation of Delaware Griginal application as, 12 57, Ser. No. 68%,l'i6, now Patent No. 3,l62,5l@, dated Nov. s, 1962. vided and this application iEec. 4, will, fler. No. 166,975

3 tjlairns. (Cl. 254-4134) This application is a division of application SN. 680,- 176, filed August 26, 1957, now Patent No. 3,062,500.

This invention relates to jacks, and more particularly to devices for lifting and lowering truck transmissions, differentials and similar loads.

The handling of heavy duty transmissions, torque converters, differentials and vehicle engine assemblies has presented many problems, both because of the great weight of such units and the confined space in which the mechanic must ordinarily work. These parts furthermore are usually asymmetrical both in shape and weight distribution, thus making it difficult to grip the assembly properly.

it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved jack which overcomes the shortcomings of previously snown devices of this nature, and pro vides a construction by means of which one mechanic can easily and safely service truck transmissions or similar units in a fraction of the time previously required.

it is another object to provide an improved transmission jack of this nature which requires a minimum of effort during the raising and lowering operations and which will securely hold the load in all adjusted positions,

It is a further object to provide an improved jack of this character which may be easily adapted for various types of transmissions, torque converters, differentials or engine assemblies with a minimum of expense and effort.

It is also an object to provide an improved transmission jack of this nature which is readily maneuverable into various positions beneath and away from a vehicle, and in which the load-engaging means may be pitched or tilted to various angles in order to accommodate loads in accordance with their position on the vehicle.

It is another object to provide an improved transmission jack of the above nature which is of strong and durable construction but may be manufactured using conventional materials and with a minimum of labor expense.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

in the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the novel jack of this invention showing the jack in its raised position and with a tnansmission adapter mounted on the platform;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the jack without the adapter showing the parts in their lowered position;

FEGURE 3 is a top plan view of the jack with parts broken away and showing the frame configuration;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view in elevation taken along the line i-d of FIGURE 2 and showing the lifting screw drive;

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along the line 5-5 of FIGURE 4 and showing the pawl and ratchet for holding the screw in position;

PEGURE 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view in elevation taken along the line ti s of FIGURE 4 and showing the manner in which the lifting yoke is connected to the traveling nut;

Patented Nov. 5, 1%33 FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the head portion of the jack showing the pitch tilt adjusting feature;

FlGURE 8 is a front elevationnl view of the structure shown in HGURE 7, parts being sectioned for clarity;

FIGURE 9 is a side elevational view of the truck transnission adapter visible in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 10 is a top plan view of the construction shown in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is an end elevational view of the truck transmission adapter;

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of another adapter attachable to the jack and useful for handling differential units;

FIGURE 13 is a top plan view of the differential adapter; and

FEGURE 14 is an end elevational view of the adapter shown in FIGURES l2 and 13.

in general terms, the invention comprises an elongated "ase preferably constructed of tubular elements and supported by casters, the base being generally flat and having an upwa dly extending portion at one end thereof. A pair of lifting beams and a pair of parallel links are pivoted to the base adjacent said upwardly extending portion and carry a lifting platform at the outer ends thereof in such a manner that translatory motion in an arcuate path will be imparted to the platform when the beams and links are rocked on their pivots. A lifting screw is rotatably and rockably supported by the upwardly extending portions of said base and passes through a traveling nut carried between said beams, n side-mounted rotatable handle being connected to the screw by bevel gear- The screw is held in its adjusted position by a pawl and ratchet arrangement combined with frictional holding means in such a manner that the platform may be raised or lowered simply by rotating the handle in opposite directions with a minimum of effort. The platform is capable of being pitched or tilted in either direction from a horizontal plane, and various adapters are provided which are mountable on the platform in order to permit the gripping of transmissions, differentials and similar units of various types.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the jack is generally indicated at 21 and comprises a base generally hndioated at 22, this base being preferably constructed of tubular steel elements as seen best in FIGURE 1. More particularly, base 22 is fabricated with a pair of longitudinal members 23 portions of which are in parallel relation, these members having outwardly lured portions 24 at one end which are inclined upwardly as seen in FIG- URE 2. A tubular cross member 25 is secured to the outwardly flared ends of longitudinal members 23 by bolts 26. Member 25 has a t shaped central portion between members 23 and has projecting end portions 27 to which are secured a pair of caster wheels 28.

The opposite ends of longitudinal members 23 are bent upwardly in a looped manner, as best seen in FIGURE 2, to form a pair of upwardly extending parallel standards 29 which are roughly of inverted ll-shape. The outer ends of looped portions 29 are welded to the main parallel portions of members 23, as seen in FIGURE 3, so that the standards formed by these looped portions are of extremely rigid construction. A lower cross pin 31 and an upper cross bolt 32 are secured between standards 29 as seen in FiGU-RES 2 and 3, thus holding the standards in rigid spaced relation. A pair of caster brackets 33 are secured to the outsides of members 23 at the juncture of the outer ends of looped portions 29 with the longitudinal frame members, and a pair of casters 34 are supported by these brackets, casters 34- being disposed somewhat inwardly of casters 28 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the unit.

A lifting linkage generally indicated at 35 is provided, this linkage comprising two pairs of beams 36 in spaced parallel relation. More specifically, beams 36 are pivotally supported at one end by pin 31, and are held in position by spacers 37 on this pin as well as a spacer 38 secured to intermediate portions of beams 36. The outer ends of beams 36 carry a pin 39 for supporting the jack lifting platform, as will be later described.

As best seen in FIGURES 3 and 4, a pair of pins 41 extend inwardly from intermediate portions of beams as between pin 31 and spacer 33, and these pins support a lifting yoke 42 for rocking movement between beams 36. A traveling nut '43 is carried by yoke 42, this nut preferably being an antifriction ball bearing nut of standard construction. As best seen in FIGURES 4 and 6, nut 43 is retained Within a recess in yoke 4 2 and is prevented from movement away from the yoke by a retaining pin 44 carried by an ear 45 on yoke 42.

A lifting screw 46 is threadably disposed within nut 43 and is supported at its upper end by a yoke 47. This yoke is rockably supported between the upper ends of standards 29 by a pair of tubular pins 48 extending inwardly from the standards so that only axial forces are applied to the screw and has a central apertured portion 49 through which the smooth upper shank 51 of screw 46 extends. The upper end of yoke 47 is provided with a recess within which an antifriction thrust bearing 52 is disposed, at bushing 53 resting on the upper race of bearing 52. Shank 51 extends through bean ing 52 and bushing 53 which is rotatably mounted on the shank, and a friction collar 54 is secured to the upper end of shank 51 by a pin 55. A ratchet 56 is rotatably mounted on shank 51 and is disposed between collar 54 and bushing 53. A cover 57 encloses these parts and is secured to the end of shank 51 by a nut 58.

As is'best seen in' FIGURE 5, a pair of pawls 59 and 61 are pivoted at 62 and- 63 respectively to the upper end ofyoke 47 within cover 57, and are urged toward ratchet 56 by a looped spring 63 secured to both pawls. The pawls are so positioned that they will alternately engage the teeth of ratchet 56 each time the five-toothed ratchet rotates one-tenth of a revolution in a clockwise direction as seen in FIGURE 5, and will prevent substantial counterclockwise rotation of the ratchet. With this construction, it will be seen that the frictional forces exerted by collar 54 on ratchet 56 when a load is placed on screw 46 will prevent the free rotation of screw 46 in a counterclockwise direction as seen in FIGURE 5. However, the application of an external rotative force through screw 46 will overcome this frictional resistance and cause rotation of the screw.

The means for actuating screw 46 comprises a handwheel 65 having a handle 66, this handwheel being secured to a shaft 67 rotatably mounted in a pin 48 car-" ried by one standard 29. The inner end of shaft 67 is supported within a recess 6% in the inner portion of yoke 47. A bevel pinion 69 is secured to the inner end of shaft 67 and meshes with a bevel gear "71 secured to shank 51 of screw 46 below yoke 47. With this arrangement, as seen in FIGURE 4, rotation of handwheel 65 in either direction will cause corresponding rotation of screw 46. When this rotation is in a clockwise direction as seen in FIGURE 5, nut '43 will I of beams 36 comprises a pitching carrier 72 and a tilting carrier 73 each of which is pivotally secured to beams as by means of pin 39, these two carriers being independently rotatable on this pin. As is best seen in FIG- URES 7 and 8, pitching carrier 72 has a pair of downwardly projecting apertured ears '74 which are pivotally secured to a pair of parallel links 75, the lower ends of these links being pivoted at 76 to longitudinal frame members 23 adjacent pivot 31 of beams 36. As seen in FIGURE 2, beams 36 and links 75, together with pitching carrier 72, constitute a parallelogram linkage so that the angular disposition of carrier 72 with respect to the ground will remain constant as the beams are raised and lowered. Tilting carrier '73 is disposed above and in overlapping relation with pitching carrier '72, and carries a transversely apertured pin '77 at the outer end thereof, the aperture of this pin receiving the reduced end of a pitch adjusting screw 78 carried by carrier 72, as seen in FIG- URES 7 and 8. More specifically, carrier 72 has a pair of ears 79 between which is rockably supported a nut $0 carrying screw 78. A washer 81 and cross pin 82 are provided on screw '73 for preventing separation of carrier 73 from the screw. It will be noted that by rotating screw 78 in one direction tilting carrier 73 may be pitched in a clockwise direction as seen in FIGURE 7, whereas rotation of screw '78 in the opposite direction will cause carrier 73 to be pitched counterclockwise from the horizontal. Pin 77 will rotate slightly during this movement to compensate for the change in angularity of screw 7-8. V

Tilting carrier 73 has a pair of cars 33 at one side thereof, these ears having apertures the common axis of which extends in the direction of the jack base. A platform 8d, which also serves as an adapter base, is pivotally secured to carrier 73 by means of a pin 85 which'extends through ears 83 and through a pair of ears '86 on platform 84. The opposite side of carrier 73 has an internally threaded boss 87 through which a tilt adjusting screw 88 extends. to end of this screw has a connection with platform 84 similar to that between screw 7 8 and carrier 73. Rotation of screw 88 in one direction will thus cause tilting of platform 84 in a counterclockwise direction as seen in FIGURE 8, whereas rotation of screw 83 in the opposite direction will cause clockwise tilting of platform 84. The range of both the pitching and tilting of platform 84 is preferably sufficient to permit the jack to accommodate transmissions or other units in the various positions ordinarily required for assembly purposes.

Although platform 84 may at times be usable for direct engagement with certain types of loads, means are preferably provided for adapting the novel jack to handle transmissions and differentials such as are in common use in modern day trucks and other vehicles. A suitable adapter for truck transmissions (visible in FIGURE 1) is shown in detail in FIGURES 9, l0 and 11. The adapter, generally indicated at 89, is adapted to support a transmission such as is shown in dot-dash lines at 99 in the drawings. The adapter comprises a flat rectangular plate 91 securable to platform 84 by means of four bolts 92 which are threaded in apertures 93 in the corners of platform 84, these apertures being visible in FIGURE 3. Plate $1 is provided with two pairs of spaced parallel slots 94 extending transversely to the jack centerline, and three parallel longitudinal slots 95 adjacent one end of the plate, as seen in FIGURE 10. Two pairs of brackets 96 are disposed within slots 94, these brackets each having an integral pin 97 at its lower end engageable with the underside of plate 91 and a base 93 engageable with the upper surface of the plate. Each pair of brackets 96 is adjustable in a transverse direction within its corresponding pair of slots, and the upper ends of the brackets are provided with apertures 99. A shaft ltll extends through the apertures in each pair of brackets, the shaft being pinned at 102 to one of the brackets and having a threaded portion 1% extending outwardly from the other bracket.

5 A spacer 104 and a wing nut 105 are mounted on the threaded end of each shaft All, and by tightening the wing nut the upper ends of brackets 96 may be drawn toward each other, thus frictionally clamping each pair of brackets in their adjusted position within slots 94.

Each shaft 191 is adapted to carry a floating support 1% which is slidably and rotatably mounted thereon. The configuration of support 1% is best seen in F1"- URE 11, the outer portion of the support having a concave serrated edge 167. The curvature of this edge is preferably such that it will readily engage the casing of transmission 91'} or a similar unit, the two brackets 196 cradling the transmission between them.

The two outer slots 95 are adapted to adjustably support a pair of posts 1 33 best seen in FIGURES 9 and 10, these posts being adapted to engage the other end of transmission being cradled by supports 1%. Posts 1% comprise threaded studs locked in place by nuts 11)? in any desired longitudinal position and at any height within slots 95. For some transmissions, an additional cradle support may be necessary, and this support is indicated at 111, being carried by central slot 95. More specifically, support 111 comprises a somewhat V-shaped memher having an upwardly facing concave serated edge 112 interrupted by a central clearance recess 113. Support 111 is carried by a stud 114 lockable in any adjusted position within central slot 95" by lock nuts 115. Cradle support 111 and posts 168 may be used alternatively or together as desired.

In order to hold down a transmission 36 being carried by adapter 89, a chain 116 is provided, one end of this chain being secured to a lateral edge of plate 91 by an S-hook 117. An eye bolt 118 engages the outer end or any desired intermediate linl: of chain 11d, this bolt being securable to the opposite edge of plate 91 by a wing nut 119. The threaded length of bolt 118 is suilicient to permit proper tightening of chain 116 on transmission 9%.

FIGURES 12, 13 and 14 illustrate a suitable form of a differential adapter for handling conventional types of truck differentials and similar units. The adapter is generally indicated at 121 and comprises a rectangular plate 122 securable to platform 84 by bolts 123. As seen in FIGURE 13, plate 122 is provided with a longitudinal slot 124 and a pair of aligned transverse slots 125. An L-shaped bracket 126 is securable in adjusted positions to slot 124' by means of a lock bolt 127. The legs of bracket 126 are of unequal length, and slots 123 and 129 are provided in these legs. The bracket may thus be fastened with either the long or the short leg overlying plate 122, and the upstanding leg may be located in a variety of positions. The outer ends of the legs of bracket 126 are provided with apertures 131 and 132 respectively so that the upstanding bracket leg may be secured to a differential casing.

Transverse slots 125 are provided with a pair of posts 133 securable in adjusted positions by means of lock nuts 134. These posts comprise threaded studs rotatable by wing nuts 135 and serve to support opposite sides of the differential casing indicated at ran, as seen in FIG- URE 12.

Operation Assuming it is desired to replace a truck transmission which has been overhauled, jack 21 will first be placed in its lowered position by rotation of handwheel 65. This rotation will cause lead screw as to rotate through the intermediary of pinion 69 and gear 71, the rotation being counterclockwise as seen in FlGURE 5. During this ro tation, ratchet 56 will be held stationary by one of the spring-urged pawls S and 61, but friction collar 54 will slide on the stationary ratchet due to the force being exerted on handwheel 65. Ball out 2?: will be lowered on screw 46, causing counterclockwise swinging of beams 36 and links 75' to their lower position as seen in FIG- Cir 6 URE 2. It should be noted that the flared configuration of base portions 24 and the V-shaped central portion of cross member 25 will permit the jack platform to be retracted considerably.

A transmission adapter 3 will be mounted on platform 84- by means of bolts 2, and a transmission 90 placed thereon. In mounting the transmission on the adapter, brackets 5% will first be laterally adjusted and locked in place by tightening wing nuts 1G5, and floating supports 1% will be longitudinally adjusted on shafts 1&1 to properly accommodate the transmission casing. Posts 198 will likewise be properly adjusted in slots 95, and if necessary cradle 111 will be secured to plate 91. Chain 116 will be wrapped arotmd the transmission casing to hold it in place, being secured in its tightened position by wing not 119 and eye bolt 118.

After the transmission has been mounted on the jack, the jack will be wheeled under the truck and beneath its assembly position. At this time pitch adjusting screw 73 and tilt adjusting screw 88 may be rotated to adjust the transmission to a position parallel to that which it will occupy when it is assembled. Rotation of pitch adjusting screw 78 will cause tilting carrier 73 to be rocked about pivot 39, while rotation of tilt adjusting screw 88 will will cause platform 84 to be rocked about its pivot on the tilting carrier.

After transmission has been properly adjusted in this manner, handwheel 65 will be rotated to raise the transmission. It should be noted that the location of the handwheel to one side of the jack is particularly convenient for working in a confined area such as that beneath a motor vehicle. As the handwheel is rotated, screw 46 will be rotated clockwise as seen in FIGURE 5, raising ball bearing nut 43 and causing beams 36 and links 75 to swing in parallelogram fashion about their respective pivots. Due to the frictional forces exerted by collar 54 on ratchet 56, the ratchet will rotate with shaft 46, the thrust forces on the screw being transmitted through thrust bearing 52 and yoke 47' to standards 29. When. the proper height has been reached, handwheel 65 will be released whereupon one of pawls 59 or 61 will engage ratchet 55. The frictional forces exerted by ratchet 55 on collar 54 will prevent rotation of screw 51, thus holding the load in place. Final tilt and pitch adjustments may be made at this time if desired, adjusting screws 78 and 88 being conveniently available to the operator from the same side as handwheel 65.

After transmission 90 has been assembled to the vehicle and disconnected from adapter 89, jack 21 may be lowered by reverse rotation of handwheel 65. During this rotation collar 54 will slide on ratchet 56 which is held stationary, and after platform 84- has reached its lower position the jack may be withdrawn from the vehicle.

In removing a transmission from the vehicle, the above procedure will be reversed, with the jack first being raised, adapter 39 adjusted to the proper pitch and tilt positions, transmission 90 attached to the adapter and disconnected from the vehicle, and the jack lowered. Should it be desired to handle a differential assembly or similar unit, adapter 39 may be removed from platform 84 and adapter 121 mounted thereon. It will be apparent that other types of adapters could be provided in order to handle torque converters, engine assemblies or other units.

A novel jack has thus been provided which may safely and efficiently handle any type of heavy unit such as those mentioned above. It has been found that the use of a ball bearing nut together with the novel reversing arrangement results in an extremely low handle effort being required for raising or lowering, even under full loads. All controls may be easily reached by an operator at one side of the jack, and the load may be quickly and accurately adjusted to its proper angular position.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and 7 change without departing from the proper scope or fair pairs of aligned slots extending in the direction of said transverse dimension with said pairs being spaced longitudinally from each other, a pair of brackets adjustably mounted in each pair of slots, a pair of longitudinally extending shafts supported by said brackets, means for locking said brackets in their adjusted position, a pair of transmission casing support brackets slidably and rotatably mounted on said shafts, said supporting brackets having facing serrated concave surfaces two spaced slots in said plate extending in the direction of said longitudinal dimension and perpendicular to said first-mentioned pairs or" spaced slots, and means for adjusting the height of said posts.

2. The combination according to claim 1, further provided with a chain secura-ble to opposite edges of said plate, and means for tightening said chain on a transmission casing.

3. The combination according to claim 1, said brackets each having portions engageable with opposite sides of said plate, said bracket locking means comprising a threaded end on each shaft projecting from one bracket, and nuts on said threaded shaft ends, whereby tightening of said nuts Will cause said brackets to fiictionally engage said plate.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,748,459 Orr June 5, 1956 

1. IN A TRANSMISSION ADAPTER FOR MOUNTING ON THE PLATFORM OF A LIFTING JACK, A RECTANGULAR PLATE HAVING A LONGITUDINAL DIMENSION AND A TRANSVERSE DIMENSION AND TWO PAIRS OF ALIGNED SLOTS EXTENDING IN THE DIRECTION OF SAID TRANSVERSE DIMENSION WITH SAID PAIRS BEING SPACED LONGITUDINALLY FROM EACH OTHER, A PAIR OF BRACKETS ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED IN EACH PAIR OF SLOTS, A PAIR OF LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING SHAFTS SUPPORTED BY SAID BRACKETS, MEANS FOR LOCKING SAID BRACKETS IN THEIR ADJUSTED POSITION, A PAIR OF TRANSMISSION CASING SUPPORT BRACKETS SLIDABLY AND ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON SAID SHAFTS, SAID SUPPORTING BRACKETS HAVING FACING SERRATED CONCAVE SURFACES TWO SPACED SLOTS IN SAID PLATE EXTENDING IN THE DIRECTION OF SAID LONGITUDINAL DIMENSION AND PERPENDICULAR TO SAID FIRST-MENTIONED PAIRS OF SLOTS, A PAIR OF POSTS ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED IN SAID TWO SPACED SLOTS, AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF SAID POSTS. 